Encouraging songs: timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart, recommended popular tracks

Go for it!Urufuruzu

Ulfuls Gatsu Daze

An energetic cheer song by Ulfuls, with powerful shouts and an up-tempo melody that resonates in the heart.

Its theme is walking forward with confidence and courage, carrying a message to face difficulties with a positive attitude.

Upon its release in December 1995, it took the music scene by storm, as if casting new light on the spirit of the times.

The album “Banzai” also became a massive hit, selling over one million copies, and the band went on to perform in the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

This work is truly a song of encouragement for the heart, gently giving you a push when you need a little boost in everyday life or want to rally yourself.

Before anything else, from atop the roadIsseifubi Sepia

Issei Fubi Sepia “Dear Sir/Madam, From Above the Road” [Official]

This track, distinguished by lively festival-like drums and flutes, weaves in themes that deeply reflect on the meaning of life and personal values through scenes of nature.

While questioning the purpose of living and our reason for being, it delivers a powerful message of courage and hope in the face of hardship.

Released in June 1984 as the debut single of Ikkyo Fubi Sepia, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

It was also used in commercials for SUZUKI’s scooter “Love THREE” and Kirin Beer’s “Kirin Shochu Tanrei Straight,” gaining popularity across a wide audience.

It’s a song that gives you the strength to face forward and keep walking when you’re at a crossroads in life, feeling lost or anxious.

Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki

Stars on the Ground / Miyuki Nakajima [Official]

This song is imbued with a warm gaze and deep respect for people who usually remain out of the spotlight.

Miyuki Nakajima portrays those who strive to live in places where no one looks, using beautiful metaphors.

It is an ode to unsung heroes who keep making efforts in various places, shining like stars in everyday life.

Released in July 2000, the piece was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s documentary program Project X: Challengers, and together with the program’s moving content, it deeply resonated with many viewers.

It set a record by staying on Oricon’s Weekly Singles Chart for 174 consecutive weeks.

It is a song that gives you a powerful push forward in those moments when the pressures of daily life make you want to stop.

PRIDEImai Miki

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

A heart-stirring anthem that turns hidden love into pride is delivered by Miki Imai.

Gazing up at the southern night sky, this piece sings of deep affection and resolve for a beloved, a gem of a love song crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.

It gently speaks of the kindness to forgive one another and the joy of cherishing each other’s individuality, tenderly resonating with listeners’ hearts.

Released in November 1996, it was selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc,” generating a huge response by topping the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.

For those who wish to keep moving forward or who hold thoughts of someone precious close to their heart, it will offer gentle companionship—like a gift from the starry sky.

CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Cheers

This is one of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s signature works, carrying a warm message of blessing to celebrate new beginnings.

Loved by many as an anthem cheering on those stepping onto life’s big stage, it’s a heartwarming piano folk ballad that gently stands by you and gives you the courage to move forward.

Released in September 1980, the song was born from the feeling of congratulating a friend on their wedding, then re-recorded in 1988 and became a major hit.

It also became familiar as the theme song for Kirin Lager Beer commercials in the 1990s.

It’s a powerful song of encouragement that stays close when you or your friends are at life’s milestones or starting anew, and when you need a lift yourself.

GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN "Guild"

A masterpiece that deeply questions the meaning of life and one’s own worth has been making waves.

The ballad released by BUMP OF CHICKEN in November 2006 is a work that expresses the self by likening life to a “job.” Its meticulously crafted guitar riffs and delicate vocals weave a melody that gently stays with the listener, evoking profound empathy.

The piece was also developed as a puppet-theater DVD, with band members serving as voice actors, expanding its world beyond music.

This is a song especially for those searching for what it means to live true to themselves, or for anyone feeling worn out by daily life.

Be yourselfSaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Be yourself” - Lyric Video from ARENA TOUR DOCUMENT - (from 6th Mini Album “Sunny Bottle”)

This is a gem of a message song that sings about the importance of living true to yourself.

Included on Saucy Dog’s July 2022 album “Sunny Bottle,” the track centers on self-affirmation and a forward-looking way of life, wrapping the universal struggles and anxieties we all face in a warm, comforting sound.

Through the portrayal of a protagonist grappling with the gap between ideals and reality, it conveys the beauty of not demanding perfection.

Chosen as the ending theme for San-in Broadcasting’s “Teleport San-in,” this song is perfect for those unsure how to face themselves or seeking music that gently stays by their side.

Its gentle key of G major and relaxed tempo are sure to soothe the heart.